Refraction - Refractive Index

In summary, to calculate the angle of refraction when a ray of light is incident in water on a plane water-glass boundary with an angle of incidence of 30 degrees, you can use the equation n1sini = n2sinr where n1 is the refractive index of water and n2 is the refractive index of glass.
  • #1
reyaz1
3
0

Homework Statement



A ray of light is incident in water on a plane water-glass boundary. The angle of incidence is 30 degrees. Calculate the angle of refraction. (Refractive index of glass with respect to air =3/2, refractive index of water with respect to air = 4/3).

Homework Equations



n1sini = n2sinr

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried approaching it with several methods, but I am puzzled. How do you get the glass to water refractive index from the data given??

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
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  • #2
Think of the definition of the refractive index.

ehild
 
  • #3
How do you get the glass to water refractive index from the data given??

It is not necessary to solve this problem.
You can use the relevant equation
n1sini = n2sinr
to find r. Here n1 is the refractive index of water. and n2 is that of glass.
 
  • #4
rl.bhat said:
How do you get the glass to water refractive index from the data given??

It is not necessary to solve this problem.
You can use the relevant equation
n1sini = n2sinr
to find r. Here n1 is the refractive index of water. and n2 is that of glass.

Thank you sooo much! I just needed a nod in the right direction.
 

1. What is refraction?

Refraction is the change in direction of a wave as it passes from one medium to another, caused by the change in its speed. In terms of light, refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different materials, such as air, water, or glass.

2. What is the refractive index?

The refractive index is a measure of how much a material can slow down light. It is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a specific material. The higher the refractive index, the more a material can bend light.

3. How is the refractive index calculated?

The refractive index is calculated by dividing the speed of light in a vacuum (2.9979 x 10^8 m/s) by the speed of light in a specific material. This value is unique to each material and can be used to predict the angle at which light will bend when passing through the material.

4. What factors affect the refractive index of a material?

The refractive index of a material is affected by its density, temperature, and chemical composition. Generally, materials with higher densities and refractive indices have a higher ability to bend light. Changes in temperature can also affect the refractive index of a material, as it can alter the speed of light passing through it.

5. How does refraction impact our daily lives?

Refraction plays a crucial role in many daily activities, such as vision and the use of lenses in glasses and cameras. It also allows us to see objects underwater and is used in the design of optical instruments, such as microscopes and telescopes. Refractive index measurements are also essential in various industries, including medicine, engineering, and materials science.

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